U.S. patent application number 10/403512 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for rocker device.
Invention is credited to Kane, Michael, Piwko, Robert David JR., Rhein, John F..
Application Number | 20040031097 10/403512 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46299113 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040031097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kane, Michael ; et
al. |
February 19, 2004 |
Rocker device
Abstract
A support frame for a infant or child support device is
disclosed. The frame includes oval shaped side members that provide
a wide, safe base and a smooth rocking action to the rocker. The
kickstand may be used to convert the support frame from a rocking
configuration into a stable, non-rocking configuration. The support
frame may also include a seat that can be removed from the support
frame.
Inventors: |
Kane, Michael; (Fairport,
NY) ; Piwko, Robert David JR.; (Hamburg, NY) ;
Rhein, John F.; (Hamburg, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOLEY GODWARD LLP
ATTN: PATENT GROUP
11951 FREEDOM DRIVE, SUITE 1700
ONE FREEDOM SQUARE- RESTON TOWN CENTER
RESTON
VA
20190-5061
US
|
Family ID: |
46299113 |
Appl. No.: |
10/403512 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10403512 |
Apr 1, 2003 |
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29165620 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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D480884 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/105 ;
5/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/102
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/105 ;
5/101 |
International
Class: |
A47D 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A rocker, comprising: a left side member and a right side
member, the left and right side members each having a generally
oval shape with a top curved portion and a bottom curved portion,
each of the bottom curved portions being configured to rock on a
support surface, each bottom curved portion having a smaller radius
of curvature than each top curved portion; and a plurality of cross
members, each of the plurality of cross members configured to
couple the left side member and right side member.
2. The rocker of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is a kickstand configured to be moved between a folded
position in which the rocker can rock relative to the support
surface and an extended position in which the rocker is maintained
in a static configuration.
3. The rocker of claim 1, further comprising an output generator
coupled to one of the plurality of cross members, the output
generator being configured to emit at least one of vibration and
sound.
4. The rocker of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is configured to support a top portion of the support seat,
the cross member being configured to move relative to the left side
and right side members.
5. The rocker of claim 1, further comprising: a support seat
disposed between the left side member and the right side member,
the support seat being supported by the side members and at least
one of the plurality of cross members.
6. A rocker, comprising: a right side member and a left side
member, the right and left side members each having a generally
oval shape with a front end portion and a rear end portion, the
front end portion and rear end portion each having a substantially
similar curved shape; a plurality of feet attached to the bottom of
the curved portion, the feet being configured to limit the extent
of a rocking motion of the rocker; a plurality of cross members,
each of the plurality of cross members configured to couple the
left side member and the right side member; and a support seat
disposed between the left side member and the right side member,
the support seat being supported by the side members and at least
one of the plurality of cross members.
7. The rocker of claim 6, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is a kickstand configured to be moved between a folded
position in which the rocker can rock relative to a support surface
and an extended position in which the one of the plurality of cross
members engages the support surface and the rocker is maintained in
a static configuration.
8. The rocker of claim 6, further comprising an output generator
attached to one of the plurality of cross members, the output
generator being configured to emit at least one of vibration and
sound.
9. The rocker of claim 6, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is configured to support a top portion of the support seat,
the cross member being configured to move relative to the left side
and right side members.
10. A rocker comprising: a right side member and a left side
member, each of the side members having a generally oval shape with
a top curved portion and a bottom curved portion, the top curved
portion and the bottom curved portion meeting at a front end curved
portion and a rear end curved portion, the top curved portion
extending a first distance above an axis defined between the apices
of the front end curved portion and the rear curved portion, the
bottom curved portion extending a second distance below the axis,
the first distance being approximately twice the second distance,
and the maximum distance between the front end curved portion and
the rear end curved portion being approximately twice the maximum
distance between the top curved portion and the bottom curved
portion; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality of
cross members configured to couple the left side member and the
right side member; and a support seat disposed between the left
side member and the right side member and being supported by the
side members and at least one of the plurality of cross
members.
11. The rocker of claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is a kickstand configured to be moved between a folded
position in which the rocker can rock relative to a support surface
and an extended position in which the one of the plurality of cross
members engages the support surface and the rocker is maintained in
a static configuration.
12. The rocker of claim 10, further comprising an output generator
coupled to one of the plurality of cross members, the output
generator being configured to emit at least one of vibration and
sound.
13. The rocker of claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of cross
members is configured to support a top portion of the support seat,
the cross member being configured to move relative to the left side
and right side members.
14. The rocker of claim 13, further comprising a toy bar configured
to support toys above the support seat.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design
Patent Application No. 29/165,620, entitled "Rocker Device," filed
Aug. 15, 2002, Attorney Docket No. FSHR-050/00US, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an infant support
device, and more particularly, to a frame for an infant rocker.
[0003] Conventional infant supports have various types of frames.
Some infant supports are configured to be stationary or static
while other infant supports are configured for movement with
respect to a support surface. For example, some infant supports are
configured to rock back and forth and are referred to generally as
rockers.
[0004] The configuration of the frame of an infant support can
determine the type of movement achieved by an infant support. For
example, some infant supports have planar bases and resilient
frames that allow the upper portion of the frame to move with
respect to the ground. Other infant supports have rigid frames that
are fixed relative to the ground. Still other infant supports, such
as the infant rockers, have curved lower surfaces or bases that
facilitate rocking of the infant support.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a frame that facilitates both
rocking and stationary use of an infant support. There is also a
need for an infant support frame with an efficient design. A need
also exists for an easily adjustable infant support that is
reconfigurable between a rocking configuration and a static
configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An infant support includes a support frame. In one
embodiment, the support frame includes side members and a cross
member extending between the side members. In one embodiment, the
cross member is a kick stand that can be selectively disposed in
multiple positions. In one position, the kick stand is retracted
and does not prevent movement of the infant support. In another
position, the kick stand is extended and prevents movement of the
infant support with respect to a support surface.
[0007] In one embodiment, the support frame includes a back support
bar. The back support bar is coupled to the side members. The back
support bar can be selectively disposed in multiple positions with
respect to the support frame. In one embodiment, softgoods in the
form of a seat can be disposed on the frame.
[0008] In another embodiment, the infant support is an infant
rocker that includes a frame and a softgoods seat that can be used
to support the weight of an infant. The infant support can include
an output generator that outputs soothing or stimulating effects
such as vibration and/or audible outputs. The infant support can
include a toy bar coupleable to the frame. The toy bar can include
multiple objects suspended therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the frame illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the frame illustrated FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a frame in a stable
configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a frame in a rocking
configuration according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] An infant support includes a support frame. In one
embodiment, the support frame includes side members and a cross
member extending between the side members. In one embodiment, the
cross member is a kick stand that can be selectively disposed in
multiple positions. In one position, the kick stand is retracted
and does not prevent movement of the infant support. In another
position, the kick stand is extended and is configured to prevent
movement of the infant support with respect to the support surface
on which the frame is disposed.
[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the support frame includes a
back support bar. The back support bar is coupled to the side
members. The back support bar can be selectively disposed in
multiple positions with respect to the remainder of the support
frame. In one embodiment, a softgoods seat can be disposed on the
frame to support the weight of an infant.
[0016] In another embodiment, the infant support is an infant
rocker that includes a frame and a softgoods seat that can be used
to support the weight of an infant. The infant support can include
an output generator that outputs soothing or stimulating effects
such as vibration and/or audible outputs. In one embodiment, the
infant support can include a toy bar that is coupleable to the
frame. The toy bar can include multiple objects suspended
therefrom.
[0017] A support device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the support
device 5 includes a frame 10. Frame 10 includes side members 12 and
14 and several support or structural members 16, 18, 20 and 22.
Support or structural members 16, 18, 20 and 22 can be referred to
alternatively as cross members because each is coupled to both side
members 12 and 14. In alternative embodiments, the frame can have
any number of support or structural members.
[0018] Support member 16 can be referred to as a back portion or
back support bar 16. Back support bar 16 can be substantially
U-shaped and is configured to support softgoods material (not
illustrated in FIG. 1) thereon. The softgoods material can be any
conventional fabric material on which an infant can be supported.
Support member 20 is configured to support a front end (i.e., the
end adjacent a foot support portion) of a softgoods seat disposed
on the frame 10.
[0019] Support member 18 is coupled to the lower portions of the
side members 12 and 14. Support member 18 provides additional
stability to the frame 10 by maintaining a constant distance
between the two side members. Support member 18 can also provide a
ground-engaging contact surface to modify the rocking motion of the
frame.
[0020] Support member 22 is pivotally coupled to the frame 10 and
is selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted
position, as discussed in greater detail below.
[0021] The frame 10 includes connection assemblies 30, 50 that are
configured to couple various components of the frame 10 together.
Connection assembly 30 couples side member 12 and support member
16. Similarly, connection assembly 50 couples side member 14 and
support member 16.
[0022] The connection assemblies 30, 50 include a moveable portion
38, 58 and a release mechanism 40 that allows the moveable portion
38, 58 to move with respect to the frame 10 when the button 40 is
pushed. The back support bar 16 is attached to the moveable portion
38, 58 such that when the moveable portion 38, 58 is moved, the
back support bar 16 moves with respect to the side members 12, 14
to vary the relative position of the back support bar 16 with
respect to the side members 12, 14.
[0023] Each side member 12, 14 has a generally curved shape that
includes multiple curved portions. Referring to FIG. 1, side member
12 includes an upper portion 60, a lower portion 62, a rear portion
64 and a front portion 66. The portions 60, 62, 64 and 66 form a
continuous support frame. Similarly, side member 14 includes an
upper portion 70, a lower portion 72, a rear portion 74 and a front
portion 76. The portions 70, 72, 74 and 76 form a continuous
support frame.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, side members 12 and 14 are
mirror images of one another. Accordingly, only side member 12 is
discussed in detail where appropriate. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3,
the configuration of side member 12 is illustrated.
[0025] The lower portion 62 of the side member 12 includes a lower
surface that contacts a support surface, such as a floor. The lower
portion 62 has a slightly curved configuration and a large radius
of curvature. The extent of the curvature of the lower portion 62
determines the particular rocking motion imparted to the frame.
[0026] The upper portion 60 can have a greater radius of curvature
than the lower portion 62. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the side
members 12, 14 are angled inwardly, the distance between the upper
portions 60, 70 being less than the distance between the lower
portions 62, 72. The inward angle provides a wider footprint of the
device 5, thereby increasing the overall stability of the frame
10.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 3, the
side member 12 is approximately twice as long as it is tall.
Moreover, the upper curved portion extends approximately twice the
distance above the axis defined between the apices of the front and
rear curved portions as the lower curved portion. This
configuration provides an efficient design that allows a long,
smooth rocking motion without sacrificing stability.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the side members 12, 14 also
include rear feet 68, 78 and front feet 69, 79. The feet 68, 69,
78, 79 are configured to prevent the frame 10 from traveling too
far and tipping over when rocking. The combination of the shape and
dimension of side members 12, 14 and the inclusion of feet 68, 69,
78, 79 provides a stable support frame. The lower cross member 18
is attached to the side members 12, 14 and is operative to provide
rigidity to the frame as discussed above.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 10 also includes a
front support member 20. The front support member 20 is attached
between the side members 12, 14. The front support member 20 is
configured provide stiffness for the frame 10 and support a seat
that is attachable to the frame 10 as will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 10 also includes
support member 22. The support member 22 is pivotally coupled to
the side members 12, 14 at pivot portions 67, 77 of the front feet
69, 79. The pivot portions 67, 77 of the front feet 69, 79 can
pivot with respect to the front feet 69, 79. Thus, the support
member 22 can be repositioned between an extended position in which
it engages the ground to prevent the frame 10 from rocking, and a
retracted or a folded position to allow the frame 10 to rock as
discussed above. Detent assemblies (not illustrated) can be
provided between the pivot portions 67, 77 and the front feet 69,
79 to maintain the support member 22 in the extended and retracted
positions.
[0031] Each of the support members 16, 18, 20, 22 described above
may be attached to the side members 12, 14 with any manner of
conventional attachment means, including screws, bolts, rivets,
friction fit, adhesive, welding, etc. Moreover, each of the support
members 16, 18, 20, 22 can be formed from lightweight metal tubing
of sufficient strength to support the weight of an infant.
[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
invention. The illustrated rocker 100 includes a support frame 110
similar to frame 10 discussed above and further includes a seat
190. The frame 110 includes side members 112, 114, and support
members 116, 118, 120 and 122.
[0033] Connection members 130 (only one visible in FIGS. 4 and 5)
include an actuator 140 to allow the relative position of the back
support bar 116 to be modified with respect to the side members
112, 114. The ability to move the back support bar 116 relative to
the side members 112, 114 allows the seat 190 to be positioned in
multiple configurations (i.e., varying degrees of recline).
[0034] The seat 190 is substantially elliptical or oval in plan
view and includes an upper seating surface 192 upon which an infant
can be positioned and a lower foot portion 194 adjacent the upper
seating surface 192. The foot portion 194 and the upper seating
surface 192 may be integrally formed or may be removably coupled.
The seat 190 can be manufactured from fabric or similar material.
Alternatively, the seat 190 may be manufactured from other flexible
materials such as vinyl, molded plastic or the like. The seat 190
may include a quilted surface to provide greater comfort for the
infant positioned therein and may be manufactured using multiple
layers of fabric between which batting material may be
accommodated. The seat 190 may also include a rigid backing (not
illustrated) to provide additional support. The rigid backing may
be integral to the seat 190 or may be detachable from the seat 190.
Alternatively, the rigid backing may also be removably or fixedly
coupled to the frame 110.
[0035] The seat 190 is adapted to be supported on the support frame
110. To support the seat 190 on the frame 110, attachments are
provided such that when an infant is positioned on the seat 190,
the weight of the infant is carried by the support frame 110 so
that the support frame 110 bears the load. The attachments may be
in the form of pockets on a rear surface of the seat 190 that are
adapted to engage the support frame 110. For example, a first
pocket can slidably receive the back support bar 116, and a second
pocket can slidably receive the front support member 120.
Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clips,
pins, etc. may be used to couple the seat 190 to the frame 110.
[0036] To maintain the infant securely in seat 190, a belt 195 may
be coupled to the seat 190. The belt 195 can be provided with
separable buckles for easy operation. Any infant restraint device
known to those skilled in the art may be utilized with the seat 190
without departing from the scope of the invention. The belt 195 can
be removed from the seat 190 such that the rocker can be used by
older children as a rocking chair.
[0037] The rocker 100 can include a toy bar 197 suspended above the
seat 190 (see FIG. 5). A fastener 198 is provided and configured to
suspend an article 199 from the toy bar 197 within reach of an
infant positioned on the upper seating surface 192. In an
alternative embodiment, several fasteners 198 and several articles
199 can be provided.
[0038] Each article 199 may be an infant toy or a variety of infant
toys and may be removably or permanently attached to the fastener
198 by a fastener such as a hook and loop type fastener or a ring
coupled through a fabric loop. The toy bar 197 can be removably
coupled to the connection assemblies 130 by conventional
methods.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the rocker 100 includes an
output generator 180 coupled to front support member 120. The
output generator includes at least one actuator switch 182. The
output generator includes a battery compartment (not illustrated)
and is configured to output vibrations and/or soothing sounds such
as music or other soothing and/or stimulating sounds. Any
combination of outputs may be provided.
[0040] The vibrations generated by the output generator are
imparted to the frame 110 and the seat 190 to sooth the infant or
child using the rocker 100. The sounds are emitted from a
transducer such as a speaker contained in the output generator 180.
The vibrations and sounds are selected from vibration patterns and
sounds saved in memory local to the electronics box and may include
a variety of different vibrations and sounds.
[0041] In use, the device 100 can be utilized in a stationary
configuration as illustrated in FIG. 4. In such a configuration,
the support member 122 is used as a kickstand to retain the
position of the seat 190 relative to the support surface on which
the device 100 is situated (i.e., to prevent rocking motion).
Moreover, in the stationary configuration illustrated in FIG. 4,
the rear feet (only rear foot 168 is illustrated) are biased toward
the ground to provide greater stability.
[0042] To be utilized as a rocker, the support member 122 is
retracted or nested with the lower portion of side members 112, 114
as illustrated in FIG. 5. The curvature of support member 122 can
be substantially similar to that of the side members 112, 114 such
that it does not interfere with the rocking motion. Detent
assemblies can be provided between pivoting portions 167, 177 and
feet 169, 179 to maintain the support member 122 in the expanded or
retracted configurations.
[0043] While particular, illustrative embodiments of the invention
have been described, numerous variations and modifications exist
that would not depart from the scope of the invention. For example,
although the support members 22, 122 are described as having a
curved configuration, the support members 22, 122 can be any
configuration such that each provides the required stability in the
expanded configuration and does not interfere with the rocking
motion when in the retracted configuration.
[0044] Although the support members 16, 18, 20, 22, 116, 118, 120,
122 are described as being formed from metal tubing, the support
members may be formed from plastic or similar materials with
sufficient strength to support the weight of an infant.
[0045] Although the support members 22, 122 are described as being
pivotally coupled to the corresponding frame, the support members
22, 122 may be removably coupled to the frame such that each is
coupled to the frame for use of the device in the static
configuration and removed from the frame for use of the device in
the rocker configuration.
[0046] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof
Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *